“Last year an in-depth investigation conducted by the ACCC found petrol prices in Launceston were up to 12 cents higher than those in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

“Part of the problem of course is higher transport and operating costs. But it was also found to be a result of higher retail margins and profits.

“The ACCC found that if the Tasmanian market was more competitive motorists could expect savings of 4-5 cents a litre.

“I would encourage the Liberals to read Labor’s policy – they might get some more ideas.”

Labor will establish a statutory role of Fuel Price Oversight Officer within the Department of State Growth with power to monitor and collect fuel price data from across Tasmania.

New legislation will require retailers to display daily fuel prices in real time on the commission’s website which will enable motorists to quickly identify the cheapest fuel price in their area.

“We need a cop on the beat to ensure fuel retailers are doing the right thing,” Dr Broad said.

“Labor will also proactively work to increase the number of independent operators in Tasmania including an increase in independent wholesalers. Independent operators will deliver much needed competition to the Tasmanian market place and drive down fuel prices for Tasmanian motorists.”